A recent AARP survey reveals that 77% of “adults 50 and older want to remain in their homes for the long term—a number that has been consistent for more than a decade.”
Technology makes it easier for seniors to maintain their independence and live in their own homes without compromising their safety. Here are ten products that provide innovative solutions to common safety concerns.
- Burner Alert
Anyone can get distracted while cooking and forget to turn off the stove’s burner, especially when multitasking in the kitchen.
The Burner Alert’s technology is embedded in small discs that fit under burner knobs, alerting you with audio and visual cues at regular intervals when the burner is left on. Alerts can even be sent to your Alexa, email, phone, or smart television.
- Motion-sensing lights
Motion-sensing lights and outlets in bathrooms, hallways, stairwells, and other areas allow homeowners to lower energy usage by turning off lights when no one is in the room. This technology is also great for preventing accidental trips and falls by ensuring that rooms are always well-lit.
A popular motion sensing light for senior households is the First Alert light. Setting up this light is easy, since it can be screwed directly into an existing light socket. It also picks up motion in all directions, making it more sensitive than the average motion-sensing lights designed for energy efficiency.
- Automatic pill dispensers
The National Library of Medicine reports that prescription medication usage among older adults has increased significantly over the past 25 years, making medication management especially challenging for seniors with chronic conditions.
Automatic pill dispensers like MedSmart keep seniors safe from accidental overdoses by sending reminders and easy-to-follow instructions. The device also alerts caregivers if a dosage is missed.
These products aren’t cheap, though, with MedSmart’s device costing just under $800. Still, many users will find the peace of mind it provides to be well worth the cost.
- Home security systems
A home security system can be much more than a way to keep criminals from entering your home. All-in-one security systems such as Canary’s are designed with seniors in mind, offering a wide range of features such as:
- Real-time HD video surveillance with cloud storage
- Built-in 90+ decibel sirens
- Temperature and humidity control
- Air quality alerts
- Keyless door locks
Do you often forget or misplace your keys? A keyless door lock that can be unlocked using fingerprints may be the perfect solution for you. You can find these biometric devices at your local home improvement store, or shop online for products such as the 1Touch Fingerprint Door Lock.
- Fall-detection devices
Seniors are more likely to slip and injure themselves in the bathroom or other confined spaces with hard tiles and slippery surfaces.
Some medical alert systems include a wearable, unobtrusive waterproof wrist button or lanyard device that automatically detects body movements associated with falling. An alert is then put out to an emergency monitoring service.
- Voice alert devices
If you provide care for someone in the early stages of dementia, you may find that they need gentle reminders of where you are throughout the day.
Voice alert devices like Microsound’s motion-activated voice reminder allow you to leave a message reminding them of where you’ve gone when they walk by the front door, the kitchen, or any other designated area in the house.
- Tile Sticker
The Tile Sticker works with Apple and Android devices via a smart app, signaling the device to ring until you find it. This innovative product is available in two variations: a Bluetooth-enabled tile that sticks on wallets, remote controls, and other household items, and a keychain variation for car and house keys.
- Doorbell camera systems
If you don’t want to invest in an all-in-one security system, consider installing a doorbell camera system such as NEST or Ring. These systems let you see and speak with people who come to the front door and provide 24/7 streaming and HD recording.
- Stair lifts
A stair chair lift is a great safety device if you or an aging loved one must navigate steps to get to bedrooms or laundry rooms. These devices fit straight staircases and even staircases with twists and turns to safely move you from one floor to another.
Although some seniors are skeptical of new technology, embracing these innovations makes it easier and safer to age in place. In Life Plan Communities, most people initially move into independent living, where they can live just like they do in their own home, but with the added benefits and security of community living. One thing we consistently hear from our newer residents is although they loved their home, they wish they had moved to a senior living community sooner. The maintenance-free lifestyle, safety and peace of mind that come with residing in a senior living community is a great alternative for seniors whose homes may not be “aging-ready.”
Ingleside’s Life Plan Communities in the Washington metropolitan area are committed to engaged living, giving residents access to a complete continuum of care as their needs change over time. Contact us to find out more and schedule a visit today.